British Values

British Values at Nicol Mere

At Nicol Mere, we are proud to actively promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. These values are woven into the fabric of school life—through our curriculum, assemblies, discussions, and everyday actions.

Our goal is to support and educate every child to become a valuable, respectful, and fully-rounded member of society—someone who treats others with kindness, fairness, and open-mindedness, no matter their background.

By promoting British values, we ensure that children leave Nicol Mere well-prepared for the next steps in their learning journey and confident in navigating life in an ever-changing world.

Democracy

At Nicol Mere, children develop an understanding of democracy through a variety of engaging experiences and curriculum links:

Historical Understanding: Through the History curriculum, pupils learn about the development of the British Monarchy and the evolution of democratic systems over time.

Topical Learning: Children explore current affairs and topical issues, helping them understand how democracy works in real life and why it matters in society today.

Pupil Voice: Every year, children take part in democratic elections to choose representatives for our School Council. They write and present their own manifestos before casting votes, learning first-hand how democratic processes operate.

These experiences help foster a sense of fairness, choice, and shared responsibility, empowering pupils to understand their role in shaping their community and the wider world.

Mutual Respect

At Nicol Mere, mutual respect is a fundamental value woven throughout school life. We actively teach children to treat others with kindness, consideration, and fairness, regardless of differences.

Themed Worships: Children explore the concept of mutual respect during our themed Collective Worship sessions, where values such as empathy, understanding, and kindness are regularly discussed.

RE and PSHE Curriculum: Through Religious Education and PSHE lessons, pupils are taught to respect and celebrate differences in faiths, cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds. They learn that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

By promoting mutual respect in both learning and daily interactions, we create an inclusive and welcoming environment where every child feels valued and heard.

Rule of Law

At Nicol Mere, we help children understand the importance of rules and laws in school and wider society.

Class Rules: At the start of each academic year, every class agrees on their own set of ‘Class Rules’ to encourage a positive and respectful learning environment. Pupils are recognised for upholding these expectations through our half-termly Achievement Awards.

Understanding the Legal System: Through our History curriculum, children learn about the development of the British justice system and how laws have shaped society over time.

Everyday School Life: Children are taught that rules are in place to keep everyone safe, and that they apply equally to all. This helps them understand fairness, consequences, and personal responsibility.

By promoting the rule of law, we help children develop a strong sense of right and wrong and prepare them to become law-abiding citizens in modern Britain.

Individual Liberty & Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

At Nicol Mere, we actively promote the understanding that individual liberty is a fundamental right and that tolerance is essential in a diverse society.

Individual Liberty: Through our curriculum and collective worship, children learn about influential individuals who have fought for freedom, equality, and human rights. Pupils are encouraged to express themselves and understand that their actions come with responsibility and choice. Our School Council further promotes pupil voice, empowering children to make positive changes within school life.

Tolerance of Faiths and Beliefs: Through RE lessons and themed worships, children explore different religions, cultures, and worldviews. They are taught to show mutual respect, celebrate diversity, and understand that differences should be valued and embraced.

These values underpin our school ethos and prepare our pupils to become respectful, confident and open-minded members of modern British society.

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Inspiring young minds, nurturing bright futures – at Nicol Mere, every child’s journey is filled with possibility